MANILA (SE): The large gathering of predominately Filipino migrant workers paused prior to a celebration of Christmas at a Mass in Chater Garden on Christmas Eve to pray for the victims of Tropical Storm Tembin, which poured swathes of water onto Mindanao flooding many parts of the island on December 22 and 23.

Approximately 100 people are dead and a further 80 or so had not been accounted for by December 27. Few hold much hope for their welfare.

MANILA (SE): The Supreme Court of The Philippines issued a Writ of Kalikasan (Writ of Nature) on June 21 in response to a request filed by residents of the Santa Cruz area of Zambales, ordering that the natural environment be protected against all destructive practices.

Father Daniel Resto, from Iba, said that at least five mining companies would be immediately affected.

MANILA (UCAN): “I hope he supports our plea for a total mining ban, especially in Batangas,” Bishop Ramon Arguelles, from Lipa, said in reflecting on a promise made by Philippine president-elect, Rodrigo Duterte, to punish companies that employ destructive mining practices in the country.

During his victory speech after the election in May, Duterte said that big mining companies have destroyed the environment, especially in the southern region of Mindanao.